Springfield Truck Accident Lawyers

Millions Recovered for Our Clients

If you were involved in a collision with a commercial truck, it is important that you immediately speak with a Springfield truck accident lawyer about your case. If the driver or the company that employed them was responsible for the accident by failing to follow the FMCSA guidelines or by not exercising proper care and attention on the road, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses.

Call us today at (888) 287-1046. We serve clients throughout Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Arkansas and we are committed to protecting the rights of the injured.

Understanding Springfield Traffic Patterns

Springfield, with its diverse traffic patterns and key highways like I-44 and Route 65, presents unique challenges for truck drivers and commuters alike. Truck accidents frequently occur in these high-traffic areas, often due to the convergence of local and through traffic. The city's layout and commuting needs place a substantial number of large commercial vehicles on its roads daily, increasing the likelihood of accidents. This makes it imperative for both local drivers and visiting truck operators to be vigilant and adhere strictly to road safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

Common Types of Big Rig Accidents

Truck accidents occur in many different ways, each capable of causing catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common types of big rig collisions include:

• Jackknife Accidents: A truck may “fold” at the trailer hinge during sudden braking or loss of traction, leading to multi-vehicle collisions.
• Rollover Accidents: High center of gravity, shifting cargo, or sharp turns can cause a big rig to overturn, endangering everyone nearby.
• Rear-End Collisions: Fully loaded 18-wheelers require far more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers follow too closely or brake too late, devastating rear-end crashes can occur.
• Underride Crashes: These often-fatal accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a semi-truck.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Commercial trucks have large “no-zones” on all sides. When truck drivers fail to check these areas, sideswipe and merging accidents can happen.
• Tire Blowout Accidents: Improper maintenance, overloading, or defective tires can cause a blowout, leading to loss of control.

No matter what type of accident you were involved in, our attorneys investigate every detail to determine who is responsible and how the crash occurred.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Truck accidents rarely happen by chance. Many result from negligence by the trucking company, driver, or other parties. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours. Even with federal Hours-of-Service regulations, fatigue is a leading cause of crashes.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, dispatch devices, GPS systems, and other distractions can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
• Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Large trucks need more time to slow down. Speeding, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes significantly increase crash risk.
• Improper Loading: Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can shift, causing the driver to lose control or the truck to roll over.
• Mechanical Failure: Faulty brakes, worn tires, and other maintenance problems are common contributors to commercial vehicle accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal substances can impair a truck driver’s judgment and reaction time.
• Negligent Hiring or Training: Trucking companies may be liable if they hire unqualified drivers or fail to provide proper safety training.

Common 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries

Due to their enormous size and weight, semi-trucks can cause life-altering or fatal injuries in a crash. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken or crushed bones
• Severe burns or disfigurement
• Internal organ injuries
• Amputations
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Wrongful death

Victims often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and may never return to their previous quality of life. Our firm fights to ensure you receive the compensation you need for both current and future costs.

Federal Trucking Laws

Commercial trucking is heavily regulated at the federal level to protect the public. Key regulations include:

Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules

Limit how long drivers can operate without rest, helping prevent fatigue-related crashes.

Weight & Cargo Regulations

Set maximum weight limits and rules for properly securing cargo.

Medical Certification Requirements

Drivers must meet certain physical and mental health standards to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection Rules

Trucking companies are required to perform regular maintenance and keep detailed inspection records.

Alcohol & Drug Testing

Mandatory testing helps ensure drivers are sober and safe behind the wheel.

Our lawyers review logbooks, black box data, maintenance records, driver qualifications, and more to identify violations that may prove liability.

Truck Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Missouri?

Missouri generally gives you five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, but evidence can disappear quickly, so it is best to contact an attorney right away.

Who can be held liable for a truck accident?

Possible parties include the truck driver, trucking company, manufacturer, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, and more.

What compensation can I recover?

You may be entitled to medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed.

Should I speak to the trucking company’s insurance?

No. Their goal is to reduce or deny your claim. Speak to a lawyer first.

Do most truck accident cases go to trial?

Many settle, but we prepare every case as if it will go to court to ensure maximum leverage.

Call Our Springfield Truck Accident Attorneys For Your Free Consultation!

If you call Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., we can set you up with a free consultation at our office. This meeting will give you the chance to hear your legal options and advice on what steps to take next. Our team of Springfield truck accident lawyers has over *200 years of collective experience. Let us use this experience to serve you. Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. represents injured individuals throughout Springfield and Joplin.

Don't wait to get help! Call today to schedule a free consultation with our Springfield truck accident law firm.